Sciatica
Sciatica is pain from an irritated sciatic nerve: it usually runs from the buttock down the back of one leg and can bring numbness, tingling or weakness. It is a symptom, and the cause is usually in the low back. Our physical therapists in Laguna Niguel find that cause and treat it.
What sciatica is, and why the pain travels
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It starts in the low back, passes through the buttock and runs down each leg.
A pinched nerve in the lower back
When something irritates the nerve roots where they leave the spine, pain can show up far from the cause: in the buttock, thigh, calf or foot. That is why you can have shooting pain in your leg with a back that barely hurts.
Sciatic nerve pain is a symptom
Your physical therapist’s job is to work out what is irritating the nerve, and to treat that, not only the leg.
Common causes of pain down the leg
Herniated disc
Disc material pressing on a nerve root is the most common cause of lumbar radiculopathy.
Spinal stenosis
A narrowed canal can crowd the nerves and bring leg pain, numbness and heaviness when you stand or walk.
Piriformis syndrome
A tight muscle deep in the buttock can irritate the nerve where it passes beneath, giving buttock pain that travels.
Spondylolisthesis
One vertebra slipping forward on the one below can narrow the space for a nerve.
Symptoms that point to sciatica
- Pain on one side that runs from the buttock into the leg
- Numbness or tingling down the leg or into the foot
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that is worse with sitting
How we find where it is coming from, and what recovery looks like
We start with your story, then test how your spine moves, your strength, your reflexes and how the nerve responds to movement. The exam shows which positions and movements ease your leg symptoms, and your exercises are built around them.
Most cases of sciatica improve without surgery. Your plan combines hands-on care, gentle nerve movement, core work and a plan for sitting, lifting and walking until the leg settles.
“The nerves in my back were causing tremendous sciatic pain in my hips and into my thighs. In only 3 short weeks of therapy the reoccurring pain had stopped! Thank you so much to Rachel and all the staff for help with my speedy recovery.”
See a doctor first, or go to the ER, if you have
- Weakness in your foot, such as foot drop, that is getting worse
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
Whether your insurance plan needs a referral differs from plan to plan: call the number on your insurance card to check, or call us before your first visit and we will help you find out.
Questions about sciatica
Why do I have numbness in my leg?
Numbness in the leg often means a nerve is irritated, commonly where it leaves the low back. Tell us where the numbness is and when it comes, because the pattern points to the cause. If it is spreading, the leg is getting weaker, or you notice a change in bladder or bowel control, see a doctor first.
Does sciatica go away without surgery?
Most cases improve without surgery. Your plan works on the cause in the back and gives the nerve room to settle.
Sciatica care in Laguna Niguel, California
LOR Physical Therapy treats sciatica at our Laguna Niguel clinic, 31271 Niguel Road, Suite J, for patients across South Orange County.
Whether your insurance plan needs a referral differs from plan to plan: call the number on your insurance card to check, or call us before your first visit and we will help you find out.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.